USMNT icon Alexi Lalas made a bold claim about Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to an end. Both players featured in what is expected to be their final World Cup and fell short at the end of the tournament.
Lalas spoke on FOX Sports’ broadcast ahead of the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, sharing his thoughts on Messi and Ronaldo. He pointed out that Messi needed Ronaldo throughout his career to push him to be the best version of himself.
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“You can boo all you want out there. But there is no Messi without Ronaldo. Heroes need villains. Sometimes you need a foil, my friend. It’s important at times. And these players, they have been representative of the World Cup.
When we do those montages of World Cups going forward in the future, those players are going to be involved. Because you see them, and immediately you think the World Cup. Immediately, you think greatness, and that is what the World Cup does to an individual.
It elevates you even if you’re already famous, even if you’ve already done wonderful things. The World Cup is a whole other level of power and attention”, he said (via talkSPORT).
Neither Lionel Messi nor Ronaldo managed to complete their fairytale in their sixth and final FIFA World Cup appearance. Both players, alongside Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, hold the record for the most editions appeared in by a player in history.
Both players saw their dreams truncated by Spain, with Portugal losing at the Round of 16 stage. Argentina’s defeat to La Roja came in the final, with the European champions dethroning them in the showpiece game at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi among superstars to have played in final FIFA World Cup
Football has officially reached the end of the Messi-Ronaldo era on the international stage, with both players expected to retire before the next FIFA World Cup. They played in their sixth edition of the Mundial this summer, and were part of a group of iconic players to play in their last edition.
Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa played in his final game at the Azteca Stadium aged 40 years old, appearing in his sixth FIFA World Cup for Mexico. He announced his retirement from professional football during the tournament immediately after his single appearance for El Tri in the tournament.
Croatia captain Luka Modric is also expected to retire, having played in the tournament this summer as a 40-year-old. Brazil’s record goalscorer Neymar also announced his retirement after his country’s elimination from the tournament against Norway. Similarly, Manuel Neuer has already announced his retirement from international football, and Nicolas Otamendi is set to retire at 38.
Edited by Sulayman Salahudeen